Railway Heritage

HTN 86 - Gerald's engine day - by John Menasce

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 86 - Gerald's engine day - by John Menasce

3rd May 2005

The weather started off with a shower in the morning and continued to remind us between bouts of glorious sunshine that the forecast was for 60% rain on the day and that the weather was going to get worse [which it did but fortunately only after the day's events were over].
The engines were largely unaffected by the rain and ran happily despite some heavy showers or concern from their owners as to their water resistance.

Rain however didn't dampen any enthusiasm from the participants who came in great numbers.
As the access to Gerald and Jenny's garden is down a steep brick-paved path it is only the bravest of us who brings anything large to this event and as the photos show, we had somewhere in the region of 50 to 60 smaller engines, which were carefully manhandled down the path by their owners, assisted by Gerald's 4 willing helpers [who just as willingly helped haul them up the path again at the end of the day's events.
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(Below left) Participants came from far and one even left home at 4.00am to be there early to off load this Crossley, which because of its size had pride of place on the driveway.

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Loading and unloading from vehicles is becoming quite sophisticated with everything from power winches, to light weight collapsible "A" frames and chain blocks and some really innovative ramp designs [one actually sliding under the trailer load bed to store it].
Safety awareness is becoming important, as spinning flywheels and belts will do serious damage to passing humans especially when the area is crowded with people and machinery like this event is.

What is most encouraging is the number of new younger faces and new entries with some unusual engines like the Douglas in the picture to the left. The hobby is growing and it is not just the preserve of the older generation.

The 2 strokes contributed seriously to the hole in the ozone layer and at one point there was a distinctive blue haze hanging over the Buidendach's property, which was not just braai smoke, and which the repeated rain showers obligingly washed away.
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Geselligheid from the participants made this a great day. Hospitality and catering from our hosts was superb, with copious trays of sandwiches, snacks, salads, tea and coffee to augment the "bring and braai".
Thanks go to Gerald and Jenny Buitendach for opening their beautiful garden to us again, to their family, friends and domestic staff who all put in a huge effort with catering and organisation to make the day a real success.

Cheers

JOHN and JEANNETTE Menasce

HTN 87 - Current news flashes

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 87 - Current news flashes

4th May 2005


Sandstone News April 2006.
April was the busiest period that the Sandstone Heritage Trust has ever seen with over three weeks of intensive activity that encompassed narrow gauge steam, cape gauge steam, vintage agricultural and transport equipment, historic military equipment, vintage aircraft and a new world record for the narrow gauge. All these events emphasised Sandstone’s position as probably the foremost preservation destination in the world.
Under African Skies & The 2006 Cosmos Festival

Following on from the outstanding success of the 2005 Cosmos Festival, a bigger and better event was planned for this year. Drawing on experience from the 2003 Heritage Fair it was decided to include more attractions to enhance the experience of the beauty of the Cosmos and the narrow gauge railway. Before this got underway, though, an event unique in the preservation world was staged, Under African Skies. A hands on experience for visitors that encompassed all of Sandstone’s preservation activities.

Following on from discussions with some overseas visitors on the Avontuur Adventurer and further discussion in the UK, Under African Skies was born.

This event enabled visitors to experience at first hand in a semi-working environment any of the working items that they wished. Although there was a provisional programme to regulate the event, guests were very much free to pick and chose what they wanted to do on any particular day.
While it was particularly rail related, as most of the visitors were rail enthusiasts, guests were able to drive, under Sandstone supervision, bulldozers, steam locomotives, tractors, military vehicles, a vintage bus, traction engines, steam rollers, a veteran fire engine and much more. Holes were dug, fields ploughed, trains were run, passengers were carried and fires put out.

With almost incessant rain since January, the Sandstone Estates farm was a sea of green punctuated by the burgundy and white of the Cosmos flowers. The rain abated some two days before the guests arrived and clear blue South African skies graced the event.

From a railway perspective, all of the working Sandstone narrow gauge steam fleet (11 in total) was in steam at one time or another allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of engines on the spectacular system. At one time 9 locos were operating! Guests had to prepare their engine themselves and were provided with a suitable load for the experience. Each train was controlled by radio orders from Hoekfontein station. The climb up Pandora Bank and also to Vailima Halt had been heavily reworked prior to the event to decrease the fierce gradients and proved a most successful investment.
Two groups came from the UK, one from the Welsh Highland Railway (with whom Sandstone has a twinning arrangement) led by David Kent and another from the Hunslet Steam Company and the Statfold Barn Railway led by Graham Lee. Other visitors were from Germany, Switzerland and South Africa. Not all the guests were in “hands on” mode. Some preferring to spend their time photographing or just chilling and enjoying the events around them.

Many of Sandstone’s friends attended to assist with the event including Shaun and Pat Ackerman, Phillip Maurer, Charles and Frank Viljoen ,Charles Terry, Johan van der Hoeven, Jan Fouche and some special old time guests in Jannie Du Toit and Sarel Viljoen.

The Welsh Highland Group were particularly interested in the NG15 no: 17, as they are about to restore a similar locomotive in the UK. To gain operational experience was a great help to them. Operating coal fired locos was a newish experience though, as the NGG16 Garratts they run are oil fired. This caused much amusement when black smoke was needed for photography as this is totally taboo in Wales! Photographers, in fact, had a special time as many of the preserved vehicles were used to “accessorise” the rail photographs making for that unique Sandstone touch.
Graham Lee’s group enjoyed not only the railway but also traction engines and tractors. In fact it was hard to keep up with Graham as he was probably operating at least three machines at once!
Sandstone’s two smallest locos, “Little Bess” and “Decauville” made history during the two weeks when both were successful in running around the entire system including the fearsome climb up to Vailima Halt.

Guests were accommodated in a special tented area with full catering available or in local hotels and B&B’s.

All in all Under African Skies was a tremendous success.

Under African Skies ended one day before the Cosmos Festival to enable the Sandstone team to draw a breath although a number of Press were hosted on that day as well. To cap the previous two weeks proceedings a world record attempt for the longest steam hauled 2 ft narrow gauge train was run (see story below).

The Cosmos Festival staged on April 8th & 9th attracted a large number of visitors from as far afield as Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town and many of the international visitors from Under African Skies stayed on. An intensive train service was run using NGG16’s, 113 & 153, the Lawley, the Fowler, “Sandy” and the O&K. At one time all of the trains were being operated by Welsh Highland crews!

In addition to the passenger trains, a special military train had been configured featuring specially camouflaged wagons and loaded with military vehicles and weapons. This made a number of demonstration runs during the weekend.

Sunday morning, at dawn, saw the traditional photography special hauled by NGG16 no: 113. Although there was a good turnout, partly cloudy weather played havoc with the proceedings at times. Nevertheless good shots were taken at Hoekfontein, Grootdraai, Mooihoek and Pandora.
Although the 2ft narrow gauge railway tends to dominate proceedings, the 2006 Cosmos Festival also featured some spectacular aircraft and a display by the SA School of Armour Museum. They even brought a prototype tank, which provided a great spectacle with its speed and manoeverability, notwithstanding the unbelievable volume of noise it produced! The tank even featured in the photographic special on Sunday morning.
Visitors could also take conducted tours around the farm and the Sandstone collection. With plenty of food and drink and much to ride, touch and feel, the 2006 Cosmos Festival was a great success and enjoyed by all who attended.
Breaking Records

Way back in 1991, the Alfred County Railway ran a train of 3 locomotives and 34 wagons from Harding. Three further wagons were added at Paddock giving a total of 37. NGG16 no: 139 and NGG16A’s 141 & 155 were the motive power to a train estimated at 820 tons loaded weight. In November 2004 Spoornet ran a 200 wagon train from Chelsea to Van Stadens using six Class 91 diesels which was certainly a world record.

To coincide with the Under African Skies event, Sandstone put together an attempt on the longest steam hauled 2ft narrow gauge train. With three locomotives and 48 wagons and an estimated load of 475 tons this was certainly another one for the record books. Although lighter than the ACR train it comprised nine more wagons.

With the restrictions of the Grootdraai balloon at just under 550 metres in length it was touch and go if the train would actually fit there!
48 wagons were assembled including the fully loaded military train, passenger coaches, two guard’s vans and an assortment of narrow gauge wagon types to be hauled from Hoekfontein to Grootdraai and back by three locomotives split into the train. The lead locomotive was NGG16 no: 113 crewed by Phillip Maurer and Pat Ackerman, split into the train was NGG13 no: 49 crewed by Welsh Highland guests, John Bunch and Andy Shaw and bringing up the rear was NG15 no: 17 crewed by Gert Jubileus and Derek van Zyl.

The consist comprised the following:
NG-B 19, NG-DZ 5, NG-Y 2, NG-O 4, NG-G 3, NG-Q 1, NG V-15 1, NG V-16 3, NG L-4 1, NG S-10 1, Converted passenger ex G 1, Converted passenger ex V-15 1,Converted passenger ex B 1, Converted passenger ex DZ 1, converted ex B S2 flats 4. This gave a total length of just over 433 metres over the couplers including the locomotives.

The only major concerns were over braking abilities but this was resolved after some discussions with Train Dynamics at Spoornet.

At 10h00 on Friday the 7th of April, the train was assembled and made its way through to Grootdraai where the complete train virtually filled the balloon with the lead loco just clear of the points and the rear loco the same. After a slow but safe journey around the balloon the train made its way back to Hoekfontein where it passed through the station, seemingly never ending! The record was ours and will be submitted to Guinness for ratification.

Sandstone’s thanks go to Shaun Ackerman, Phillip Maurer and Gert Jubileus without whose dedication and determination to succeed, the 48 wagon train would not have run.
David Shepherd reunited with his South African 15F locomotive.
On the 27th April Sandstone hosted a living legend, world famous wildlife artist and rail enthusiast, David Shepherd, as he travelled between Ficksburg and Kommandonek (part of the famous Bloemfontein to Bethlehem line) behind his 15F steam locomotive number 3052. Lukas Nel and the Sandstone railway workshop team specially recommissioned the locomotive, which is in the custody of the Sandstone Heritage Trust, for this event after it had been out of service for some 2 years. To add to his delight, David was granted special permission by Spoornet to travel on the footplate of 3052.

3052 was steamed on the 26th and David had an emotional twilight reunion with the locomotive presented to him by Spoornet in 1991 in exchange for a specially commissioned painting of it. After some quiet time on the footplate, in the evening, David expressed his strong attachment to the loco, which is named “Avril” after his wife.

The locomotive has been in the custody of Sandstone since February 2004 but David last travelled behind her on a fleeting visit to South Africa in 2002 when Sandstone arranged for her to be returned to service at Umgeni Steam Railway for a run from Masons Mill to Cato Ridge and return. 3052 was built by North British in 1946. The spectacle of this massive loco on 3’6” gauge prompted David to remark that it made his British 9F 2-10-0, 92203, “Black Prince”, look small in comparison!
Three trips were made in glorious weather during the day over the scenic 13 kilometre route. Although the vegetation was quite high a number of enthusiasts made the trip and grabbed some excellent photographs on a line that rarely sees steam these days.

As Sandstone does not have an access agreement with Spoornet, Friends of the Rail from Pretoria operated the train with Cliff Petzer driving and Mike Haslam and John Ashworth sharing the firing. John Dadford looked after the technical side during the trips and Kobus Steyn acted as safety officer. Our thanks also go to Piet Terblanche from Spoornet in Bethlehem who acted as pilot and Mike Du Plooy, Spoornet steam curator, for facilitating the running of 3052.

After the excitement of the day David was treated to a special sunset run on the Sandstone narrow gauge behind Sandstone’s 1895 built, ex-Beira Railway Lawley 4-4-0, BR7.

3052 performed faultlessly and it is hoped that David will be able to enjoy his locomotive again on a future trip to South Africa.
Bloemfontein Workshops
Work continues on the ex Sena Peckett and Feldbahn. Both locos are expected to be finished before the end of 2006 if various missing fittings can be sourced. Recently the Feldbahn was run on the short test track powered by compressed air to test various motion components. The NG4 continues to make progress and it is expected that the next project will be the 1936 Cockerill built NGG16 no: 88 ,purchased from a private owner at Port Shepstone some years ago. This fourth addition to the Garratt fleet will mean Sandstone has locomotives from four different builders, NGG13 no: 49 being from Hanomag, NGG16 no: 113 from Beyer Peacock and no: 153 from Hunslet Taylor.

HTN 88 - Vintage steam show & Country Fayre - 23 & 24 September 2006 at Rawdon's Estate, Nottingham Road

HTN 94 - The Blacksmiths Workshop has moved into new premises

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 94 - The Blacksmiths Workshop has moved into new premises

23rd May 2006

The Blacksmiths Workshop has moved into new premises.

The new workshop is four times the size of the one at Guga S'thebe and we don't have to share the space with anyone else!
Wiseman and the guys spent two weeks building a new forge and setting up the workshop - the fires are now burning!

Our new workshop in in the Ulwazi Centre, 36 Njoli Street, Zone 16, Langa.

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Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Artist Blacksmithing 1 year course
Course content: Basic Blacksmithing, you will be taught and will make, use and equip yourself with all the hand tools and skills needed to work as an artist blacksmith. Design and business skills electives will also be offered. The Course will be overseen and some modules taught by Conrad Hicks.
Fee: R25 000 (payment plans are available)
Limited Bursaries are available - please contact us for more information.
Includes: materials, equipment, safety gear and textbooks
Dates: 30 January - 30 November 2005
What to bring: tool box, strong clothing no synthetic fabrics, good attitude, be prepared for hard work, healthy and fit, people with physical disadvantages should consult first. The course is open to people of ages16 onwards. We can accommodate all levels of experience.
At the end of the first year students will have an option to continue into a second year of more advanced training.
Space is limited - please book early

Short courses will be advertised during the course of the year.

Two Week Tool Making Course
Brent Bailey is a Master Artist Blacksmith and tool maker based in California. He is very experienced and teachers tool making all over the states and Peru. Brent has been given a grant by the Artist Blackmith Association of North America to come to the Blacksmiths Workshop for two months. He will run a two week tool making course while he is here.
Dates 20 February - 3 March 2006
Fee: R2000
No previous experience required.
Space is limited - please book earlyShort courses will be offered by visiting Blacksmiths through out the year - we will keep you posted
For registration forms or more information and course details please contact Dammon Rice at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 447 5066 or
082 717 0993
Dammon Rice and Conrad Hicks
The Blacksmiths Workshop s a non-profit Trust.

VISION
The vision is of a renaissance in the ancient craft of the African Blacksmith to stimulate jobs in a niche market in the South African economy.
MISSION
The Blacksmiths Workshop will train , men and women as blacksmiths, enabling them to become self-sustaining entrepreneurs.
VALUES
Non-racialism, employment equity, empowerment, non-sexism, productivity, innovation, excellence, self-respect, dignity.

HTN 97 - Classic vintage aircraft appear over the skies in the Eastern Free State.

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 97 - Classic vintage aircraft appear over the skies in the Eastern Free State.

7th June 2006

During our recent Cosmos Festival we were delighted to host some of South Africa's top vintage aircraft pilots. Here we feature two absolute classics which will stand the test of time as true classics in the Aviation industry.

Both photographs courtesy of David Benn - © David Benn.

Click here to read the related article in SA Flyer Magazine >>
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The Harvard
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The Tiger Moth

HTN 100 - BBC radio interview with Wilfred Mole & Ralph Montagu

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 100 - BBC radio interview with Wilfred Mole & Ralph Montagu

12th June 2006

This morning on BBC Radio Solent Wilfred Mole of Sandstone Heritage Trust was interviewed together with Ralph Montagu of Beaulieu Estate. The subject was the pending shipment of Sandstone's Decauville to Beaulieu where it will go on display. This is part of a long-term cooperative programme between the two organisations.

Click here to download the introduction >>

Click here to download the interview>>

HTN 103 - SA Flyer Magazine - Edition 128 - June 2006

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 103 - SA Flyer Magazine - Edition 128 - June 2006

7th June 2006

During our recent Cosmos Festival we were delighted to host some of South Africa's top vintage aircraft pilots. Featured in SA Flyer Magazine this month - read the article.
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HTN 108 -Sandstone Estates launches New Memorabilia Shop

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 108 -Sandstone Estates launches New Memorabilia Shop The new shop opened for business this morning, Monday 12 June 2006 and can be found at the entrance of the Estate.

12th June 2006

Dyke Mahasane has taken up the challenge of Shop Manager. You will be able to purchase DVD's, Sandstone T-Shirts, jackets, rain coats, binoculars etc and a few items left of the "Great 400 collectors items".
This shop is open to the public. All welcome.
Dyke Mahasane - Sandstone Shop Supervisor
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Below: Len Huxam contemplating the new structure
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Below: Lunchtime, lovely winter sun!
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That's the roof almost on!
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mmm - the walls seem straight!
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Below - The shop building in progress
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HTN 112 - The Grrrr! Flugel - by Kerry Young

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 112 - The Grrrr! Flugel - by Kerry Young

24th July 2006

So why the above introduction? I send it with good reason. A South African friend wrote once using the word Grrrr! and at once I thought it most descriptive, without being offensive, so I tucked away for a 'rainy day' and this most certainly is it.

Quite apart from the fact that it is indeed both raining ad quite cold, yours truly has been afflicted with the 'Dreaded Lurgy'. For those of you not familiar with the highly esteemed 'Goon Show', that term today refers to afflictions such as a head cold or even the 'flu, of which I have taken on board the former. For me, not to be at Ferrymead on a Thursday is sacrilege indeed. I am confined to the warm lounge on the orders of she who shall be obeyed and if I know what's good for me, I shall comply therewith.

So what to offer in the way of interest to all those Flugel junkies out there? Well, it just so happens that a good friend of mine, Jim Harwood has just returned from the U.K. where among other things, he visited the Severn Valley Railway. In itself of great interest to many, but in this instance it was of particular interest, as they were having a 1940s weekend and the whole setup looked like a set from the T.V. series 'Dads Army'. Jim loaned me a CD with a set of the pictures taken during the visit and I was so taken with them, that I determined that with permission, I would show them to the Fugellists at an opportune time. That it should be so immediate, was quite by chance. So after all that preamble allow me to share the pictures, hoping you will enjoy them as much as I have. Just before heading into them, might I also suggest that you check out the surprising amount of detail everywhere...........................
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You didn't have to be in Britian at the time to recognise the Warden.
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The following household scenes I thought were so like what we understood of conditions and the trappings of daily life that it is almost too real.

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Where's Captain Mainwaring then?
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For followers of Dads Army and for the few of you who were actually there at the time portrayed, all this will have a truly uncanny resemblance.
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This I saved for last. To me, it is a real classic. You see, I was born, then war was declared. (I'm not so sure the two events were connected). Anyway, that makes me old enough to remember how the feelings were at that time. It would have been inconceivable, both then and for generations after, to imagine such a scene as this, even in jest. In addition, as I said at the beginning, pay attention to detail. Check out that carriage as well as the people.

That concludes the pictures of the 1940s event, but I have as many again of the railway itself. Although many of you will have seen pictures and a few of you, the scene itself, I'm sure you will enjoy seeing other pictures of the railway taken at the same time as those above. So I will make up a part two of this set and send them before too long also. Makes a change from the salt mines anyway.

My thanks indeed to Jim Harwood, for making this material available.

Cheers, 'K'.

HTN 115 - Restoration of the O & K is going well - Keith Stevens

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 115 - Restoration of the O & K is going well - Keith Stevens

27th July 2006

Restoration of the O & K is going well. We are busy removing the firebox at this point in time. We have manufactured the coal bunkers, cab and deck and below are the photos of this work. We have set the valves so all we need now is the boiler. The buffer beams are now fitted at the height of 550mm above the rail.
I have fitted a double eye similar to that on the other O & K and Avonside.

Regarding the Sentinel, all this really needs now is a good clean and polish!

Keith Stevens
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Our 1990 KENWORTH T900 - "Grunter"

HTN 118 - Snow and children... a perfect combination!

HTN 126 - Some people say that they havent seen these mountains with this much snow in years.

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 126 - Some people say that they havent seen these mountains with this much snow in years.

21st August 2006

I took this photo this morning at the open field behind the Sandstone House.
Some people say that they havent seen these mountains with this much snow in years.

Words cannot explain how it looks when you drive from my house at Mooihoek, down to the main complex with these beautiful surroundings.

- Hester Papenfus, Office Manager

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*HTN 132 - The spotlight lands on South Africa's oldest commercial vehicle

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 132 - The spotlight lands on South Africa's oldest commercial vehicle

31 August 2006

<<Back to the article

The Sandstone Heritage Trust has owned a 1910 Peerless truck for some years. This truck which came from Bloemfontein originally was probably purchased new by the Brickworks and operated on its solid rubber wheels until the early 1950's hauling bricks into Grahamstown.
This venerable old City has some of South Africa's finest architecture and it would appear that our Peerless truck played a major part in the construction of the magnificent buildings for which Grahamstown is so well known.

Our Peerless has languished in storage for some time but rejuvenated by the success of our Feldbahn restoration project we have decided to address the Peerless in a much more dedicated way. Although it is mechanically very sound and although it runs well it does not possess a body of any character.

This will soon change.

Our inspiration for the refurbishment of our Peerless comes from an interesting book called "The Slough Estates Railway - by John Isherwood".

There is a major article on a truck refurbishment programme that took place after the First World War in Slough in the UK. The article is self-explanatory but it would appear that Peerless was one of the key products that saw service in the First World War and which as a result found themselves being reserviced for commercial use after the First World War. We have therefore decided to follow a military theme and to restore this truck to a First World War military configuration.

Regular updates and bulletins will follow.

There are also some wonderful vintage adverts and Peerless images to have a look at below.
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HTN 134 - Snow on the Maluti Mountains - Images by Tessa Joughin

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 134 - Snow on the Maluti Mountains - Images by Tessa Joughin

1st September 2006

Some wonderful shots on Wednesday last week when the clouds lifted and Tessa Joughingot a little bit of the setting sun! Then the next day, blue skies and the lovely white snow. Here are a couple of the pictures.
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HTN 139 - Kelsey Publishing House is coming to visit South Africa!

Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

HTN 139 - Kelsey Publishing House is coming to visit South Africa!

2nd October 2006

Kelsey Publishing House is responsible for specialist magazines such as Old Tractor, Classic Military Vehicle, Tractor and Machinery, Stationary Engine Magazine and many more, also books, tours and services for Jaguar cars, custom car, classic vehicle and old machinery enthusiasts
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SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

15 day vintage machinery tour including game viewing and wonderful sights.

Tour price: £1,998 sharing a room, £2,278 single.

‘A land of flowers, wine and whale song’

Covering a huge swathe of land, washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, South Africa has enormous wealth above and below ground, making it one of the richest natural storehouses on the planet. With staggeringly beautiful rural areas and the magnificent game park of Kruger, the possibilities for visitors are endless. On our tour we also visit the sophisticated cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town and the charming historic towns of Bloemfontein and Stellenbosch.

South Africa is a ‘rainbow nation’ of many colours and cultures, encompassing Zulu, Tswana, Khosa, Sotho, Indian, Afrikaans and those of British origin. The scars left by the apartheid years are slowly healing, but have left huge inequalities between rich and poor. Despite this, the people are charming hosts, most speak English and all have a fascinating story to tell. The crime rate is still far too high, but with a little common sense and guided by your Tractor & Machinery Holiday Club Tour Manager you will have a perfect, safe holiday.
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Our Itinerary.

Monday 12 February 2007.

Evening departure from London Heathrow airport of our South African Airways overnight flight to Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.  Our flight departs at 18.00 hours and arrives the next morning at 07.05 hours local. (One hour ahead of British time)

Tuesday 13 February

Early morning arrive into Johnannesburg International airport. After taking our luggage to our hotel we visit the Johannesburg War Museum and then see the Rand Collectors Club before checking-into our hotel for the next two nights.

Rosebank Hotel. “Classical elegance and warmth" are the guest’s first impressions of the hotel. A tranquil, relaxed atmosphere, combined with friendly efficient service, is all trademarks of our hospitality. The hotel has a 4 star grading along with an outstanding reputation.  The hotel is situated in the prestigious suburb of Rosebank, part of Greater Sandton, in Gauteng, South Africa. Rosebank is conveniently near the major centres of Johannesburg, Sandton and Randburg, easily accessible from Midrand and Pretoria, and 30 minutes from Johannesburg International Airport.

Three shopping malls and the renowned African Craft Market are within 3 minutes walking distance from the hotel ­ providing guests with a wide variety of curio and craft shops, gift shops, art galleries, clothing boutiques, chain stores, restaurants, cinemas and entertainment. Exclusive discounts are given to our guests by many of these shops. Attractions in the vicinity include Gold Reef City, Lion Park, Johannesburg Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Soweto Tours, Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, Game Drives, Hot Air Ballooning, Archaeological Sites and the Origins of Man, numerous museums, casinos, golf courses, sports stadiums and other exciting possibilities.


Wednesday 14 February.

After breakfast we spend the morning at fabulous Gold Reef City and take an exciting, below ground tour.  The mine is part of the 100-kilometre reef stretching from Boksburg in the east to Randfontein in the west, and visible from a distance with its impressive head gear protruding above the surrounding mine dumps.

In the afternoon we visit Johannesburg Tractor Spares with Vernon Winter, see the James Hall Machinery Museum and conclude the day with a visit to the small private collection of Wilfred Mole at his home in ‘Hogsville’.

Overnight at the Rosebank Hotel
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Thursday 15 February.

Departing Johnannesburg we make the drive from the High to the Lowveld for the journey to the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga.  En-route we will stop at the Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum, which houses many South African implements, tractors, horse drawn carriages & wagons plus other agricultural equipment. Afterwards we continue our drive east and after a lunch stop we enter the Kruger National Park and drive to our overnight accommodation at the Satara Rest Camp, situated in the middle of the park.

The Kruger National Park is a massive reserve, the size of Wales, which is one of the best places in Africa to see the ‘Big Five’ as well as thousands of other species.

Dinner is included at our rest camp tonight and there will be an opportunity to join an optional night safari.

Friday 16 February.

After breakfast we depart for a full day coach drive, Game Viewing in the Kruger National Park and then overnight stay at the Berg-en-dal rest camp in the south of the reserve.  Dinner is included tonight and there will again be a chance to take an optional night safari.

Saturday 17 February.

Departing the Kruger National Park we travel first to Standerton for a gathering with the local vintage machinery club before continuing our drive to the Free State and our base for the next three nights in Fouriesburg.

Fouriesburg Country Inn, Restaurant & Wine Cellar

Enjoy authentic country cuisine, with superb South African wine, chosen from the delightful Sandstone wine cellars.

  What can be more enjoyable than a meeting in the Clock & Train Bar, where in the winter you can sit in front of a fire place, enjoying a drink? Enjoy a drink in the lounge complete with big screen television to enjoy local programmes and videos.

Dinner is included each evening during our stay.

Sunday 18 February & Monday 19th February.

Two days to visit the Sandstone Estates (Pty) Ltd and the Sandstone Heritage Trust is possibly the largest collection of vintage vehicles, including tractors, in the southern hemisphere. During our two day visit to Sandstone we will ride the 36 kilometre 2ft narrow gauge steam railway, view the extensive collection of tractors, agricultural machinery activity, traction engines, military vehicles and classic earth moving plant.

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Tuesday 20 February.

After breakfast we make the drive to Bloemfontein to view Zach van Staden’s fantastic collection of old trucks, dozers, diggers and classic plant machinery before check-in for two night’s accommodation at the City Lodge Bloemfontein on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.

The City Lodge has 151 Rooms a pool set in a beautiful garden is a treat for those moments of relaxation. This convenient location has numerous amenities within walking distance, such as the Hydromed Hospital, Zoo, Free State Stadium, restaurants and shopping centres. It is also close to the N1 motorway and 2 minutes away from Bloemfontein’s CBD. 

Wednesday 21 February.

Today we visit the School of Armour and their military museum with Colonel Nondala who will also give us a talk on South African Military Vehicles and show us the heavy military machinery in their museum such as tanks etc.

We also visit to the steam restoration workshops in Bloemfontein, considered by some to be one of the best in the World.

Overnight and dinner at the City Lodge.

Thursday 22 February

This morning we connect with the South African Airways morning flight from Bloemfontein to Cape Town, in the Western Cape Province. After driving from the airport we will be conducted on a sightseeing tour of Cape Town including a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain before checking in to our hotel.

The PortsWood Hotel is located on the trendy Victoria & Albert Waterfront and next to its sister hotel, The Commodore. The PortsWood offers guests superlative accommodation, stunning cuisine and world-class service.  Our stay here is on a bed and breakfast basis.

 

Friday 23 February.

After breakfast today we have a full day coach tour to the Cape of Good Hope Horn Peninsula tour including lunch.

Overnight bed and breakfast at The PortsWood Hotel.

 

Saturday 24 February.

Today we make the drive into the Winelands region of Paarl and Stellenbosh and also meet up with Western Cape branch of the National Vintage Tractor & Engine Club at their new museum at Villiersdorp.  Lunch will be included today.

Overnight bed and breakfast at The PortsWood Hotel.

 

Sunday 25 February.

Full day at leisure for you to shop in the Victoria and Albert Waterfront shops or take an optional boat tour from the landing to Robin Island, the infamous prison association with the detention of Nelson Mandela, which is now a World heritage site.  You may prefer to take one of a number of other optional tours including a visit to the famous Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Overnight bed and breakfast at The PortsWood Hotel.

Monday 26 February.

Morning free for last minute shopping or sightseeing.

Afternoon transfer to the Cape Town International Airport in good time to check-in for the return South African Airways flight to London.  The flight departs at 20.40 hours overnight arriving into London Heathrow airport at 06.55 hours on Tuesday 27 February.

A deposit of £250 per person will secure your place on this ‘Once in a life time trip’.

............................................................

South African Experience ­ General Information

The t class=msoIns>our price of £1,998 class=msoIns> is based on sharing a room.  A limited number of single rooms are available at a supplement of £280 i.e. £2,278 single. The tour is based on the exchange rate current at the time of writing these notes in September 2006. Sterling £1.00 = South Africa Rand 14.25.

What’s Included:-

South African Airways scheduled flights from London Heathrow airport to Johannesburg, domestic flight from Bloemfontein to Cape Town and return flight from Cape Town to London Heathrow, airport and security taxes, coach transportation throughout, 13 nights first class hotel or best available inns and rest camps will be used all with private bathroom facilities, breakfast every day plus some dinners and lunches as mentioned in the itinerary, admissions to all museums and private collections and the services of a TMHC tour manager throughout. 

Not Included:-

Drinks and meals other than those specified above, travel Insurance, optional tours or game drives, and personal expenses, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, room service etc.  

Flights from London Heathrow (Terminal 4) to South Africa.

South African Airways flights and timings.

Monday 12th February:  
Departs London Heathrow airport at 18.00 hours (overnight flight)
Arrives Johnannesburg International airport at 07.05 hours on Tuesday 13th February

Thursday 22nd February.
Departs Bloemfontein airport at 08.10 hours and arrives Cape Town at 09.50 hours.

Monday 26th February
Departs Cape Town airport at 20.40 hours (overnight flight)

Arrives London Heathrow airport at 06.55 hours on Tuesday 27th February.


All times given are local.  The tour baggage allowance is limited to one suitcase weighing 44 lbs or 20 kgs per person. UK & Irish domestic flights to connect with these services can be arranged through our ATOL travel partners Flight Bound, ‘The Holiday Company’, Tel: 08454 303
404 Fax; 08715 606 505

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Travel Insurance ­ the best deal and the best protection.

It is mandatory that all passengers have sufficient travel insurance, which is NOT included in the holiday price.  Flight Bound can offer you a holiday insurance policy but for the best cover, at the best price, we are pleased to recommend Norton Insurance who specialise in providing Heritage Classic Car Insurance & Tradesure Motor Trade Insurance as well as excellent ‘Single Trip’ and ‘Annual Multi-trip’ Holiday Travel Insurance. The premium will depend on your age and general health.  Please call 0121 246 5050 and ask for Elaine Pitt or go on the website at www.norton-ib.co.uk and select “Travel” to get a quote on their INSURE AND GO site. Norton Insurance, Regency House, 97-107 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 8LA
 

Passports & Visas.

A full passport issued by a member state of the European Union, or your nation’s government and valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure from South Africa.  No Visa is required to enter South Africa for British, E.U. Canada, USA or Australian passport holders.

 

Health Precaution: Malaria risk.

Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the low altitude area of Mpumalanga Province, which includes the Kruger National Park. It is therefore strongly recommended that you take anti-malaria tablets before entering these areas. Please consult your doctor for further information.

 

Payment Schedule & Payment by Credit Card

A deposit of £250 per person is payable upon booking.  The balance is due not less than 72 days prior to departure. We can accept payment by all forms of credit or debit card however a surcharge of 2% will be added for all payment by credit cards.  

HOW TO BOOK.

The holiday is arranged for Kelsey Publishing Group in partnership with ‘The Holiday Company’ Limited, trading as Flight Bound.  Your contract is subject to Flight Bound’s Reservation Terms & Conditions.

 

To book simply complete and sign the Reservation Form and return it with your deposit of £250 per person (Cheques made payable to: The Holiday Company) to:-

 

South African Experience

‘The Holiday Company’ Flight Bound,

7 Bridgewater Road,

Worsley,

MANCHESTER
, M28 3JE.

England.Tel: + 44 (0) 8454 303 404 / Fax: + 44 (0) 8715 606 505

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Website: www.flightbound.com

BONDING.

The air holiday in this brochure is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The Holiday Company Ltd (Flight Bound) number is ATOL 2876.

For more specific details about the holiday itinerary contact:

Rob Rushen-Smith,

Kelsey Publishing Group,

PO BOX 123,

FELIXSTOWE

IP11 7ZP

England.

Tel and Fax: + 44 (0)1394 275120 or (0)1394 270857

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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